The phrase "signs of the Qur'an" is sufficient to indicate that this book can be classified within the symbolic interpretation of the Holy Qur'an, a style for which Sufis are renowned. We will provide an overview of this style of interpretation below, and then dedicate a chapter to its importance according to Ibn Arabi.
As for the phrase "in the world of man," it expresses the foundation upon which symbolic interpretation rests. For the people of God-may He be exalted-the most important thing is to understand the stories, parables, wisdom, and rulings contained in the Qur'an in a way that makes them relevant to the human soul. Everything that appears in the universe has its counterpart within the soul. What is the benefit of knowing the story of Adam and Iblis, or Moses and Pharaoh, for example, if one does not experience the lesson of all of it within oneself? In this vein, Ibn Arabi says in his book "Anqa' Maghrib" (The Phoenix of the West):
[My purpose in all that I write in this field is not to know what has appeared in the universe, but rather to awaken the heedless to what exists within this human being and the human person... There is no benefit in knowing what is external to you except what pertains to your path to salvation.] The Sheikh explains why the Sufis, the people of God, use allusions in their discourse, saying in "Al-Futuhat al-Makkiya" (vol. 1, p. 278): "[God Almighty said: 'We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves' - Fussilat 53 - meaning the revealed signs in the horizons and within themselves. Every revealed sign has two aspects: one they see within themselves, and another they see in what is outside of them. They call what they see within themselves an allusion.]"
It must be emphasized in this matter that the Sheikh does not mean by any means neglecting or disregarding the traditional, well-known literal interpretation of the Quran. Rather, he considers it the foundation and the reference point. Any meaning that contradicts the apparent meaning of the verse is categorically rejected. The Sheikh strongly condemns those who have inserted into the interpretation of the Qur'an Isra'iliyyat and unverified reports, especially those that are not befitting the status of the prophets and their infallibility, peace be upon them (Al-Futuhat: Vol. 2: p. 256/Vol. 3: pp. 454-455). However, the words of God Almighty should not be confined to one concept and negate all others. Rather, God may reveal to His saints in His Qur'an subtle secrets that are befitting the state and status of His servant.
